In environments where foot traffic is high, such as hospitals, schools, and shopping centres, the safety of the flooring material becomes a paramount concern. While a smooth, visually appealing floor surface might initially catch the eye, it often falls short when it comes to providing a secure footing.
Therefore, there is a growing demand for safety flooring—specifically designed to reduce the risk of slips and falls in busy public spaces. This article delves deep into safety flooring, its benefits, and the different types available on the market.
Where to install safety flooring?
Ideally, even some areas of homes should have safety flooring. However, in the industry, around 15 places require it. We have condensed the list to five.
1. Commercial kitchens and laundry facilities
From a small water spillage that might not make things very slippery to an oil spillage that turns a floor into a death trap, commercial kitchens experience it all. Therefore, they definitely require safety flooring for the sake of chefs. Such floors are also required in related facilities like restaurants and cafeterias.
Laundry facilities often have some detergent spilled out. Even a small amount of water can result in an enormously slippery floor that can be a detriment to anyone’s health. Therefore, this place also requires safety flooring.
2. Healthcare and medical environments
Spillage is extremely common in healthcare and medical environments. From general vomit all too common in hospitals to clinics that are often on the receiving end of suffering patients, a slippery floor is a common occurrence everywhere. Furthermore, there are nursing homes and laboratories that one needs to consider.
3. Industrial and manufacturing spaces
Places that deal with heavy equipment such as factories and warehouses require the floors to be slip-resistant. Food processing plants are another important structure where safety flooring is a must. Furthermore, when it comes to an automotive repair shop, one needs to have flooring that can tackle the engine oil spills and washing since getting slipped and falling on dangerous equipment can be fatal.
4. Educational and public institutions
Places such as schools, universities, public bathrooms, and even government buildings get an enormous amount of foot traffic. All of them require proper safety flooring as well.
5. Leisure and hospitality facilities
For obvious reasons, people need safety flooring near swimming pools and changing rooms that are often equipped with showers. Safety flooring is also a must at gyms and fitness centres. Hotel lobbies, common areas, restaurants, and cafeterias also require safety flooring.
What are the benefits of safety flooring?
Here are the key reasons why safety flooring is required:
1. It prevents accidents
Safety flooring lets go of the standard, smooth approach for a more textured surface, which offers a stronger grip under various conditions. As a result, people are less likely to slip and fall when walking on them.
2. It promotes durability and cost-effectiveness
Capable of withstanding heavy foot traffic, impacts, and chemical exposure, safety flooring lasts longer inside demanding environments. Therefore, they can not only be considered a standard addition but as an investment into a building.
3. It promotes cleanliness and hygiene
Finally, safety flooring isn’t just beneficial due to its surface, but also what it’s made of. There are multiple safety flooring options available with antimicrobial properties. These technologies help prevent bacterial growth and dirt accumulation.
What are the types of safety flooring?
There are six different types of safety flooring available on the market:
1. Vinyl safety flooring
Made from PVC-based material with embedded particles for slip resistance, vinyl safety flooring is durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean. It is also cost-effective, which is why it is best for healthcare facilities, schools, and commercial kitchens.
2. Rubber safety flooring
Rubber safety flooring is made from either natural or synthetic rubber. One of its best qualities is shock absorption and noise reduction, along with being slip-resistant. Therefore, it is best for places with high-impact activities like gyms, playgrounds, and industrial areas.
3. Epoxy safety flooring
Epoxy safety flooring is made from a resin-based system with additives for slip resistance. It has a similar feel to a standard shiny floor. However, it has the added advantage of being chemical-resistant and customizable. Therefore, it is best for laboratories, industrial settings, and food processing plants.
4. Polyurethane safety flooring
Resin-based with high elasticity, polyurethane safety flooring is highly durable and especially good for handling heavy loads. It also reduces noise, which makes it suitable for healthcare environments and sports facilities.
5. Ceramic safety tiles
These are made from fired clay and are equipped with a textured surface, which makes them friction-free. They are not only slip-resistant but also heat-resistant and durable. Therefore, they are best for areas prone to the most moisture, like swimming pool surroundings and commercial bathrooms.
6. Textured concrete safety flooring
Textured concrete flooring is made from concrete with added texture through stamping or chemical etching. It is extremely durable and suitable for outdoor use. Therefore, it is found most in outdoor walkways and inside industrial settings.
Best safety flooring for your business
You now have a comprehensive overview of safety flooring. There are several types, each offering ample protection in regions that are prone to moisture and heavy foot traffic. For the best options for your business, contact our flooring specialists at NJL Flooring.
